Mackie 1642-VLZ3 16-Channel Compact Recording/SR Mixer
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With its sleek new look, upgraded preamps and EQ circuitry, the new Mackie 1642-VLZ3 redefines perfection. With the same features and functionality of its predecessor, the re-engineered Mackie 1642-VLZ3 has even greater headroom than the original. We could have stopped right then and there, but since we're obsessed with perfection, we redesigned the Mix Bus and made significant enhancements to the EQs, giving the 1642-VLZ3 a more intuitive and musical feel.
The 1642-VLZ3's three unique channel strip formats allow you to input and shape any kind of signal, including mic, line, and stereo instruments. Whether you need a live mixing board for club work, or a full-featured workhorse for home and studio recording, you owe it to yourself to check out the new Mackie 1642-VLZ3. You'll think it's perfect, too.
VASTLY SUPERIOR XDR2 MIC PREAMPS
Our new XDR2 (Extended Dynamic Range) second-generation mic preamps are better than ever. They offer incredibly low noise, with individual mic pre THD below 0.0007%, and overall mixer THD less than 0.0025%. With 60dB of available gain per channel, the 1642-VLZ3 can handle inputs ranging from a whisper to a scream, and can even handle hot line-level signals up to +22db, without any added coloration. You simply won't find preamps this good on any other mixer in this price range.
THREE KINDS OF CHANNEL STRIPS
1. Channels 1 - 8 are essentially the same as those on our 1604-VLZ3, with mono line-level input and our ultra-high-quality XDR2 mic preamps. These VLZ (Very Low Impedance) mic pres offer superior sound quality and the best RFI rejection of any compact mixer on the market.
2. Channels 9/10 and 11/12 (two physical channel strips) each provide a stereo pair of line-level inputs and a mono XDR2 mic preamp.
3. Channels 13/14 and 15/16 (also in two physical channel strips) each provide a stereo pair of line-level inputs only, with fixed 4-band equalization at points that are specifically designed for line-level inputs, such as keyboards, sound modules, etc.
TWO UNIQUE EQUALIZATION FORMATS
High-quality equalization is a must for any good mixer, that's why we didn't cut any corners on the 1642-VLZ3. Channels 1-8 feature the same world-renowned 3-band Active equalization that you'll find on the 1604-VLZ3. Tremendous resources went into optimizing the center points of these mic channel equalizers, with the Lows at 80Hz and the Highs at 12kHz. Midrange compensation is handled by a peaking control with a two-octave variable frequency center. This means the Mids can be swept from 100Hz all the way up to 8kHz with a boost or cut of 15dB.
We designed a fixed 4-band, musically-correct EQ for the remaining channels, which are primarily intended for line-level signals, such as keyboards, sound modules, and drum machines. This all adds up to practical, useful equalization, with the tone-shaping facility to actually improve the musical nature of the original signal.
PROFESSIONAL FEATURES
The Mackie 1642-VLZ3 mixer is packed with premium features on every channel: 75Hz Low-Cut filters, four Aux Sends, inserts, phantom power, constant-loudness Pan controls, OL (overload) and signal present LEDs, sub and main mix assign switches, and assignable AFL/PFL Solo switch. And since you can never have too many output options, we also provided a Control Room/Phones source matrix, Master Aux section with EFX to Monitor, tape outputs, a high-volume headphone amplifier, channels 1-8 direct outs, and balanced XLR and balanced/unbalanced TRS outputs.
BUILT MACKIE TOUGH
All VLZ3 mixers are built tough. Our legendary solid-steel chassis can take the kind of abuse that would turn our competitors' flimsy boxes into so much scrap. And instead of cheap, unsealed potentiometers, we use co-molded pots, which offer substantial strain relief at all critical points. By design, our control knobs ride just above the surface of the chassis, so if something heavy falls onto the mixer, the impact is transferred from the knobs to the steel chassis not to the potentiometers or circuit board. Finally, to eliminate potential circuit board damage, we use a thick, horizontally mounted fiberglass PC board, braced with a shock-absorbing support structure. Nobody builds em tougher than Mackie!
SUPERIOR SOUND QUALITY
Above all, the 1642-VLZ3 has superior sound quality, wide dynamic range, tons of headroom and extremely low noise, allowing you to create high-quality professional output. Whether you're tracking in the project studio or laying down the truth in front of a live audience, you can always count on the Mackie 1642-VLZ3 to provide superb sound quality and extreme versatility. Audition a perfecter mixer at your Mackie dealer today.
- New ultra-low noise VLZ3 design with highest possible headroom
- 10 studio-grade XDR2 Extended Dynamic Range mic preamps with:
- Ultra-wide 60dB gain range
- 130dB dynamic range
- +22dBu line input handling
- Extended low frequency response
- Distortion under 0.0007% THD (20Hz - 20kHz)
- Phantom power for studio condenser mics - 16 high-headroom line inputs (4 stereo pairs, 8 mono)
- Advanced DC pulse transformer RF rejection
- 60mm long-wearing logarithmic-taper faders
- 4 Aux sends, level, pan, -20dB/Solo and OL/Mute LEDs on each channel
- 4 stereo Aux returns, 8 Direct outs, 4 stereo Group/Bus outputs
- 3-band Active EQ with sweepable midrange on mono channels
- 4-band Active EQ on stereo channels
- 18dB/oct. 75Hz Lo-Cut filter on mic channels
- Control Room/Phones multi-input source matrix with separate level controls
- Balanced 1/4" inputs and outputs (except inserts)
- Rack-mountable design using optional rack ears
- Sealed rotary controls to resist dust and grime
- New Multi-Voltage power supply for worldwide use
- Rugged steel chassis
Why buying from PowerMax is risk-free
If there's one thing you should know - it's PowerMax wants you to be 100% satisfied with your product. Because we sell so many different products from a variety of sources, our return policies are specific to the kind of product you ordered. Take a look:
| Product Type | Return Window | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Third Party Products | 30 Day Full Refund | You can return your item for a full refund within 30 days of purchase with the exception of Apple BTO products, opened memory or opened software. Returns on all new 3rd party products must be in complete, undamaged and unmarked condition. |
| New or Factory Refurbished Apple Products | 10 Business Days | If you are not satisfied with your purchase, contact your PowerMax customer service representative within 10 business days of the receipt of the product. Provided you return an item unopened in the original box, we will exchange it or offer you a refund based on your original method of payment. A 10% open box fee will be assessed in any opened hardware or accessory. |
| Pre-Owned Macs | 90 Day Full Refund & DOA Protection | In addition to a 90-day warranty, we will guarantee any pre-owned Mac to be in good operating condition upon its arrival or we'll pick it up and send you a new one if returned within 72 hours of receipt. |
For full details please take a look at our Returns & Errors page.
We warranty our work
In addition to the below warranties on Apple products, we're happy to facilitate communication with manufacturers of non-Apple products at any time (some of them are notoriously hard to communicate with) and do everything we can to make sure manufacturers honor that commitment.
| 1 Year AppleCare | 3 Year AppleCare Available? | 90 Day PowerMax Warranty | 6 Month Powermax Warranty Available? | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Apple Computers | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Apple Refurbished | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| PowerMax Pre-Owned |
Nope | Nope | Yes | Yes* |
For more info please check out our warranty page.
Pricing Protection
We've all been there: you pick up the latest gadget only to see it advertised by that same retailer one week later at a 25% discount. Well, with PowerMax you don't have to worry about feeling duped.
If you see a reduced price on an item you've purchased within the last 10 days just let us know and refund or credit the difference back to you.
For full details please take a look at our Returns & Errors page.
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Mackie 1642-VLZ3 16-Channel Compact Recording/SR Mixer
$849.99 Orig. Price
$794.69
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Mackie 1642-VLZ3 16-Channel Compact Recording/SR Mixer
$849.99 Orig. Price
$794.69















